DePaul University Athletics
DePaul Dedicates Athletic Center & Gym
7/22/2006 12:00:00 AM | ATHLETICS
The current home of DePaul Athletics is now known as the
"Extraordinarily dedicated staff members like Gene Sullivan and Frank McGrath have been the lifeblood of DePaul for more than a century," said the Rev. Dennis H. Holtschneider, C.M., president of DePaul. "Their indefatigable service to our students and the university stands as an inspiration to those of us here today. They symbolize the values we want to instill in our students, and I am honored to recognize them by adding their names to our
The Sullivan-McGrath Campaign's original goal was $2.9 million and donations have reached nearly $3.3 million. The scope of the project was expanded to include other elements such as the creation and construction of a men's basketball locker room at the Allstate Arena and the Cherry Family Foundation Banked Track at the Ray Meyer Recreation and
The largest single gift was a $1 million donation from Vic and Charlotte Cacciatore and the Cacciatore Family to name the new softball stadium which was the largest gift in DePaul Athletics’ history. There were also more than 50 major gifts of more than $10,000 during the campaign while hundreds of grassroots gifts that show the groundswell of support from athletic alumni and friends.
Both Sullivan and McGrath exemplified the spirit of the university by helping move DePaul forward to where it is currently. Their vision and dedication will continue to serve as an inspiration as the program strives to reach even higher levels in the future. The pair were legendary not just in DePaul’s annals but in the rich athletic tapestry of
Sullivan represents the visionary side of DePaul. Though his tenure as the athletic director was relatively short, his impact is long-lasting. One of Sullivan’s legacies is that of inclusion, providing enhanced opportunities for minority student-athletes and women. While serving as athletic director, Sullivan dramatically increased the level of scholarship spending across sports and gender.
Sullivan’s vision in the emergence of cable television probably is his greatest legacy at DePaul. He began discussions with local channels to broadcast Blue Demon men’s basketball. Not deterred by the cost of the broadcasts, Sullivan mortgaged his own home to initially fund the broadcasts. After quickly selling advertising for the telecasts, budding super station WGN quickly realized that Sullivan was on to something and purchased the rights to DePaul basketball. A generation grew up watching nationwide broadcasts of Blue Demon basketball. That exposure helped the university grow from a regional institution that served
McGrath represents the hardworking self-sacrificing spirit of DePaul. He spent a lifetime influencing young men on and off the basketball court. While serving as an assistant coach to Hall of Famer Ray Meyer from 1956-72, he also managed DePaul’s athletic facilities. Ask any one of his players if McGrath was a tough customer and to the man they will give you stories of sprints, push-ups and tortuous workouts. To that same man, he will tell you that his attention to detail and his commitment to the team helped them grow to men. His players knew Coach McGrath as someone who pushed them to the next level and that little extra that makes a difference in athletics and in life.
